The Five Most Exciting IPOs of 2012?

Tom Johansmeyer

Feb. 15, 2012, 10:22 AM

Well, let's rephrase that … not counting Facebook, are these the big IPOs of 2012? Investor Guide put together this list, and it does have some interesting names on it. So, let's see if these will be the buzz-worthy opening bells of the year:

1. Yelp:Yelp has filed to go public, and it is wildly popular. It isn't profitable yet, but that may not be an impediment. As far as buzz goes, Yelp is definitely likely to impress, but it will have to show a plan for a real future if it's going to be in it for the long haul. It wants to raise $100 mn, and it will have to convince investors that it has good reason to ask for it.

3. Gogo: anyone who has been stuck on a flight with nothing to do has a soft spot for Gogo. The provider of in-flight wireless internet services has been a source of relief for business travelers. The company isn't profitable, but if it can show a way to get into the black, that may be enough, especially given its revenue growth. Unfortunately, the service is at the mercy of the airline industry's ability to fill seats, but as long as it can grow its install base - and as long as companies still spend on travel - Gogo has reason to be happy.